Learn how to identify and buy authentic heritage cannabis with this three-part series listing the farms of the famed Emerald Triangle. Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity Counties comprise the US’ number one cannabis production region, but the Triangle is roiling as it adapts to California legalization. To better compete in the free market, California farms have exclusive rights to market their county of origin — like “Mendocino” — and they’re listed with the state for the first time. Check it out.
Heritage for Sale
More and more consumers want to vote with their dollars for cannabis grown in America’s marijuana heartlands. Now, that’s easier than ever before.
- Major brands like Loudpack and Flow Kana are marketing heritage farms
- Three counties participate in a pilot program called CalOrigin, that uses tax stamps to verify heritage crops
- The California Department of Agriculture is listing farms by county (see below). Falsely advertising Mendocino roots is now illegal.
Heritage farmers are facing steep price declines and massive new costs as a reward for inventing modern cannabis in the Triangle. Comprised of three main counties, Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity, the triangle has produced classics like OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple, and Trainwreck since the ‘80s.
Counterfeit cannabis brands have long-undercut heritage farms, though. Just like counterfeit Gucci and Prada, counterfeit “Mendo” is a global, multi-billion dollar business.
